Oshtemo Township adopts non-discrimination ordinance

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI -- A non-discrimination ordinance will go into effect in Oshtemo Township within about a month after the board adopted the ordinance 6-1 at its Tuesday meeting.

"Making it a better place for everyone to live is always the right thing for the community and I'm confident that our constituents, our residents, our community support this," Oshtemo Township Triustee Dusty Farmer said of a non-discrimination ordinance.Fran Wilcox | Special to MLive

The ordinance must be published within three days and takes effect 30 days after that.

Trustee Dave Bushouse cast the dissenting vote, reiterating his continued position that the ordinance does not fall in the township’s purview.

At Tuesday’s meeting, two audience members spoke in opposition of the ordinance and five spoke in support.

Residents who spoke in favor of the ordinance Tuesday said there is no federal or state protection for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and that individual faith and beliefs are important but do not excuse discrimination. Supporters said young people today want to live and work in communities that welcome everyone and diversity and inclusiveness are important for businesses, families, churches, civic organizations and communities. They also said the ordinance makes a statement about Oshtemo Township’s tolerance and openness and makes a better community for everyone.

“Oshtemo is a fairly diverse community ... but are you an inclusive community?” resident Jonathan Richardson said. “That is important in business and also relates to family, church and civic organizations. The more perspectives you bring to the table, it may take longer to find a solution, but the solution is more sustainable and workable in the end. I am a Christian, I’m black, I’m part of an interracial couple, I’m gay and I live in Oshtemo, and I bring all of that to my life every day. So I am in favor of your consideration and a positive vote on this ordinance.”

Ordinance opponents questioned the process and the lack of data showing discrimination is a problem in the township. One opponent also said he had heard no reason why homosexuality is good for the community.

Bushouse said he talked to a lot of people and did a lot of thinking but did not change his position.

“My basic concern is, as a township, we normally do not get into this issue,” Bushouse said. “I seriously question that we have the legal right to get into this issue.”

Bushouse also said he would like some evidence the ordinance is necessary and suggested tabling it for six months to see how many complaints are lodged in that time.

Trustee Dusty Farmer said she felt it would be interesting to see how many complaints are lodged, except without the ordinance there would be no basis for the complaints.

“I am confident that we have overwhelming support here in the township, through phone calls, email correspondence and these meetings,” Farmer said. “Making it a better place for everyone to live is always the right thing for the community and I’m confident that our constituents, our residents, our community support this.”

Exceptions from the ordinance include religious organizations’ ability to restrict employment, education or housing directly related to religious activities to members of the organization or denomination and owners of housing or public accommodation facilities that are devoted solely to individuals of one sex, among others.

Anyone claiming discrimination may file a complaint with the township within 180 days of the alleged violation. The township supervisor will investigate and give written notice of the result to the person who filed the complaint and the person accused of the violation.

Violation of the ordinance is a municipal civil infraction and incurs a fine ranging from $75 to $500 depending on the number and frequency of offenses.